Propability of finding a particle outside the classical limit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the probability of finding a particle outside the classical limit for a quantum harmonic oscillator in its ground state. The wavefunction is given as Ψ0(x) = a * e^(-mωx²/2ħ), with the normalization constant a defined as (mω/πħ)^(1/4). The ground state energy E0 is expressed as E0 = ħω/2. Participants highlight the need to determine the amplitude of oscillation for a classical oscillator to establish the classical limit boundaries.

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Noctisdark
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Homework Statement


I'm asked to calculate the propability of finding a particle outside the classical limit for a quantum harmonic oscillator in it's ground state

Homework Equations


Ψ0(x) = a*emωx2/2hbar
When a = (mω/πhbar)1/4
The ground state energy E0 =hbar*ω2/2

The Attempt at a Solution


I actually don't know what to do, I've tried to consider it as tunelling by finding when the energy is equal to the potential
E0 = hbar*ω2/2 = mω2x2, and stuck there !
And thank for your assistance
 
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You might start by finding the amplitude, ##A##, of oscillation for a classical oscillator with energy E0. The quantum oscillator is "outside the classical limit" when x is outside the range ##-A\leq x \leq A##.

Noctisdark said:
E0 = hbar*ω2/2 = mω2x2

I don't understand this equation. Why is ##\omega## squared in the middle expression. I also don't understand the meaning of the expression on the right.

I think you have a typo in the expression for the wavefunction. The argument of the exponential should be negative.
 
Last edited:

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